Annalise was born with a condition called Spina Bifida. A neural tube defect that occurs within the first 25 days of pregnancy. Annalise is no stranger to surgery. At just 24 hours old, & weighing just 5lbs she had a procedure to close the opening in her spine. Three days later she had a shunt placed in her brain. Over the next few years Annalise would have two shunt failures, one being catastrophic. Both of these required brain surgery to fix. 

Through these challenges, she persevered. Annalise can use her wheelchair like a pro, her speech has come such a long way. She FaceTimes with her bff , she loves to see her family & admires her cousins. Annalise is obsessed with her brother & gives the best hugs, whether you want them or not lol

Annalise is facing a new challenge. Although she has always had a curve to her spine, during her last visit it was determined that the scoliosis has become more severe and is interfering with her lungs and growth. Annalise will be required to wear a halo device to straighten her back enough to have a critical spinal surgery in the hopes of straightening her spine. This process will require a long hospital stay. After her spine is straightened enough she will have a second surgery where a metal rod will be installed to straighten her back. This is a major surgery & altogether will be around 6 weeks in-patient. Annalise is waiting for one sedated MRI in the next couple weeks & then her surgery will be scheduled. We expect to be in by the end of September.

Our family is so grateful for the outpouring of love and support from our family and friends. Any contributions to help support our goal will be greatly appreciated. Annalise’s bedroom is currently on the second floor of our home and isn’t conducive to her post hospital care. We would like to set up a comfortable space for her as she goes through her rehabilitation. It will also help with other additional costs that insurance does not provide.